James Roday in "Psych"
courtesy of the USA Network
“Psych” (The USA Network)

One of the USA Network’s most underappreciated TV series is “Psych.” Among the “White Collar,” “Burn Notice” and “In Plain Sight” hoopla this consistently well made show goes unnoticed. It is not that the show doesn’t have its fans, but in media attention to good TV shows it never gets mentioned. It is the “Rodney Dangerfield” of cable TV series – it gets no respect.

Now “Psych” is back for its fifth season and the banter between James Roday and Dule’ Hill is better than ever. As Shawn, the so-called psychic, Roday has this part nailed down. Gus (Hill) is Shawn’s skeptical partner. They are best buddies but they argue back and forth like an old married couple and some of these lines are real zingers.

In the premiere episode of this new season Shawn and Gus are trying to solve a kidnapping. The title of this show is “Romeo and Juliet and Juliet,” so named because there is a star-crossed love story in the plot, and also because the guys are trying to get Juliet O’Hara (Maggie Lawson) back on her regular job.

As per usual the plot of the show is coincidental to the enjoyment of it all. The main attraction is again the talents of Roday and Hill, and especially Roday. This guy has a sharp intelligence and a droll way of delivering a line. He also has an enthusiasm that seeps into all facets of the show.

Hill is the straight man to all of Roday’s antics, but he too brings something extra. His deadpan deliveries in a lot of scenes makes them more than they should ever be, He is an enhancer as an actor. He takes his place in a scene and makes it into more, and along the way makes his co-star even funnier. This is a real talent and one that audiences should appreciate. 

An additional bright spot this year appears to be more of Corbin Bernsen as Shawn’s father. Bernsen is always a plus when he appears in an episode and indications are he will appear in more this year.

“Psych” is a clever show, and a very funny one. If you tune in it will grow on you. That is why it has been on the air for five seasons.

So tune in to the USA Network on Wednesday, July 14 at 10PM. Shawn and Gus are back and ready to entertain. Now let’s give them some respect.
 

 

 

 

 

©2010 Jackie K. Cooper

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